"In this time of transition, it is hard and we need to hold each other in prayer because we're all dealing with uncertainty and change and confusion." — The Rev. Kennetha Bigham-Tsai, chief connectional ministries officer for the Connectional Table.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Church's mission 'is yet alive'
ATLANTA (UMNS) — There is great anxiety as the special 2019 General Conference approaches. But The Rev. Kennetha Bigham-Tsai, chief connectional ministries officer for the Connectional Table, wants to remind all United Methodists that once the conference ends, God will still be calling them to mission in the world. Bigham-Tsai spoke with UM News as part of "Seeing a Way Forward," a video series featuring different perspectives of church leaders on the work of the Commission on a Way Forward.
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Church helps with prison food shortage
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church's St. John's Circuit is helping address food shortages in prisons as Zimbabwe's economic troubles continue. The church donated $14,000 worth of food and other supplies to three prisons, helping hundreds of inmates including pregnant women. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
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The Mercury
Kansas church fund assists during shutdown
MANHATTAN, Kan. — First United Methodist Church has set up a $15,000 fund for those affected by the partial federal government shutdown. "Most of us live paycheck to paycheck," said the Rev. Troy Bowers. "With that paycheck not coming in and the uncertainty of when it will come in, we figured we needed to help the community." Bryan Richardson reports.
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South Carolina United Methodist Advocate
'Love the Unloved' ministers to men with mental illness
LEXINGTON, S.C. — Members of Mount Horeb United Methodist Church are helping men with mental illness through the Love the Unloved program. Fifteen men living in a community home look forward to the once-a-month visits by volunteers who offer care packages, emotional support and a Bible study. Jessica Brodie reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist university association
Affirm 'full inclusion,' college presidents say
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Presidents and representatives of United Methodist colleges and universities across the U.S. have issued a statement urging delegates of the special United Methodist General Conference in February to follow an inclusive path as they chart the future of the church.
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Wespath
Wespath launches institutional investments arm
GLENVIEW, Ill. — Wespath Benefits and Investments, the United Methodist pension agency, has launched Wespath Institutional Investments. The nonprofit investment management organization is dedicated to serving a broader range of institutional investors related to The United Methodist Church.
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COMMENTARIES
Take fresh look at Connectional Conference Plan
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMNS) — The Connectional Conference Plan should not be presumed to be dead on arrival at General Conference next month, writes Bishop Gary E. Mueller. He argues that this "prayerfully crafted part" of the Commission on a Way Forward report should not be ignored "because people assume it's too complex and complicated to have any chance of being adopted."
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